The Shelter Chronicles: Give dogs a chance

Part of the problem of being a shelter volunteer is worry. I worry so much about my dogs at the shelter. I worry that they will develop behavioral issues while they are there, especially if they are there a long time. I worry they won't find the right home. I worry they may bite someone and end up with a black mark against them. I worry about their health and safety. Sigh, so much worry.

Today I'm adding a couple of dogs for whom I have great worries about because they have "health" issues which the shelter is limited in helping. Nothing fatal mind you, but things that deter even the nicest folks from adopting them.

However, first are two happier stories which can end up being really happy if these dogs find awesome homes!!



Skiper, A0958137, large, Mature
This guy is so cute, smart and SWEET! He's a big teddy bear. He's been at the shelter for a long time. His roommate Barkley was adopted recently so he no longer has his pal. This is a perfect dog for someone looking for a chill guy who just wants a loving friend or visa versa. I mean this is a dog who want to snuggle, he's that loving. The other cool thing about Skiper is that he was enlisted in the K9 Connection program that matches up kids with dogs to train. It's an amazing program and our dogs love it! Plus it just proves that this dog has a great personality to be in such a program. He's really friendly without aggression issues. He's a little older, but he's wonderful and charming so what the heck! As you probably know, I love older dogs the most and think they make the best pets. Please come meet this cutie pie soon, he needs YOU!


Ranger, A0953814, Large, Adult
This guy is super friendly and energetic! He needs someone who wants an active dog. It's not that Ranger is bouncing off the wall, but he's very happy go lucky and likes to pal around! He's a really good boy with no aggression issues. I can't imagine why he's been at the shelter so long, he's so cool and would make a great family dog. Ranger is also lucky enough to be in the K9 Connection program. Again, all dogs who are included in this program have proven to have the correct temperament to participate. What more do you need to know??? Come to the shelter and see if you two connect and make this good boy a part of your family!

Both Skiper and Ranger will be GRADUATING from the K9 Connection program so please consider these wonderful pets if you are looking to add a family member!


Chester, A0979949, Medium, Mature
Poor Chester, he's such a cutie pie, but he's an older dude with some skin problems. He's awfully sweet and a gentle soul. He'd be happiest in an adult home where someone can give him the love and attention he deserves in the golden years of his life. I'm not one who cares for the dramatic or hard sell, but it seems a shame that such a nice dog should die forgotten at the shelter. Not sure why or how he ended up at the shelter, but I and the other volunteers feel he deserves a warm bed and good food for the remainder of his days.


Jack, A0922499, Medium, Young
This is another dog who just breaks my heart. I've watched him grow up from a puppy and even though he was adopted for a time, he was ultimately returned to the shelter. Now he's an adult and suffering from a type of mange that is hard to get rid of but treatable. This may be why he was returned. However, this is no reason to return a dog! I would hope that a person adopting a shelter dog would be committing to that dog for its entire life not just the cute puppy hood portion of it. Jack actually had this skin condition as a puppy but he was so cute and boisterous that it was overlooked. Now, as a less "cute" dog, he's sitting at the shelter day after day waiting for that person who can get over the fact that he's got a treatable skin condition and who sees what a fun-loving and sweet dog he really is. Jack is a really great dog who probably needs some additional training. Often dogs who spend too much time at the shelter don't always get enough reinforcement of their obedience training so they start to regress a bit. He's still young though and he will a great dog, if he gets the chance. I hate to say it, but this one is urgent.

Please don't adopt a dog if you can't afford things like medical treatment or training. People in this situation often find themselves forced to return their dog to the shelter. So think before you adopt and be sure you can give your new family member what he or she needs in life.

The Shelter Chronicles: A Few Good Doggies

Sorry to report but, more bad pix...(except for Sophie)

First some updates from the WLA shelter, Paulo, our one and only, was finally was adopted by a really nice guy who seems to "get it." We are keeping our fingers crossed on that cause you never know how it's all going to pan out in the end. Seriously, I don't take any adoption for granted. That said, good luck Paulo!!! Huge thanks to Bound Angel for making that great video for Paulo!!

Here are some terrific dogs who are currently at the shelter and who REALLY need a home. Some new, some not so new. All of these dogs are favorites of the volunteers.

Charlie A0895899, Australian Cattle Dog mix, young

Charlie is a real character. He is full of fun and energy. The first words out of his mouth would be "let's play!" He's an adorable boy around 1 1/2 years old. He was turned in because he was "eating the furniture." That tells you something, this dog needs exercise, activities and boundries. You can't leave an Aussie at home all day with nothing to do. Plan and simple. Charlie is so much fun! He loves to chase that ball and then another ball, all sizes and shapes. He's got boundless energy. He's also a really nice boy. Gentle and sweet natured, he really likes people and is totally un-reactive to other dogs. He's got great focus. He's a dog for someone who wants to do stuff with their dog like agility for example. What a terrific temperament this guy has! Plus he grew up around a cat so, it seems like he could assimilate to a multitude of situations. I hope you activity junkies come out to meet Charlie, he needs you NOW!


Samson, A0934223, Shep mix, Adult

Samson is a big guy. A macho dude, so to speak. He's a chill dog who really needs to get out of the shelter. He seems un-reactive to other dogs. He's very handsome and is looking for someone who can handle his size and give him a comfy bed where he can relax. I don't think Samson requires tons of room as he's over the bouncing off the walls part of his life. He does need regular walks of course, but he's not like a young playing machine. The volunteer who works with him says he's a doll. If you want a big chill dog, here he is!


Mike, A0981757, Shep mix, Young

Mike is like a dog's dog. He's regular, nothing too fancy, but very nice. He's got energy, but not too much. He's on the larger size, but not huge. He's sweet, but not needy. I really like him. He likes people and will tolerate all their poking and fussing with him. He wants to do what you want to do. I think anyone would like this dog's personality. His one issue, that may just be inexperience, is his over zealousness towards other dogs. He gets a little worked up. Not aggressive just super duper excited. I think with the proper experience he'll get over it and have fun with other dogs. Patience and training is what will help Mike with this problem. Otherwise he is just what a dog is expected to be, a good even tempered friend.


Duke, A0690792, Shep mix, Adult

Duke is a real champ. He's been at the shelter a while and has actually turned out to be a terrific dog according to his volunteer friends. He's friendly and easy to handle. More to come on this guy, but the word out at the shelter is that he's a great dog! More to come on Duke...


Star, A0980454, Rottweiler, Young

What a cute girl this Star is. She is really submissive and just a lover girl! Pretty mellow, she enjoys being with her person. Other dogs don't bother her and she would like to play if the other dog is as polite as she is. She's a smaller version of a Rottie so she's very manageable. Here's an easy one for you Rottie lovers!


Bea, A0975236, Whippet mix, Young

Bea came into the WLA direct from the SLA shelter. She was so scared that she was lashing out towards people in between hiding in her cubby. She's a gorgeous girl with her sleek lines and delicate features. She definitely has that Whippet look to her. She's on the smaller side of medium so she's quite manageable. We are currently trying to get her to be less defensive when she's in her run. She seems a little vicious in there! However, she really isn't. Outside of the run, she becomes her regular self who is just sweet as pie albeit it a little fearful. I fell in love with this girl instantly. Bea is so elegant and has some of the best ears I've seen in a while. This is a TERRIBLE picture so please don't go by this. She is gorgeous, I promise you. She doesn't know obedience but seems fairly mellow on leash and easy to teach. I think she is a good dog for someone who will train their dog and has worked with shy dogs before. She could become protective of her domain so it's important she gets the leadership and training she needs to overcome this behavior. Outside of that, she's a love.


Sophie, A0936867, Pit Bull mix, Young

I just love Sophie (formally Skully). What a terrific girl! She is a lot of fun and full of energy. Sophie was adopted but returned due to no fault of her own (landlord issue). Apparently she did really well in her short-lived home. In fact they said she was mellow in the house. She's a pretty easy dog so don't let the Pit Bull name scare you. She's a sweet dog with no aggression issues towards people. Sophie is a smaller medium size dog. She really enjoys playing with toys and balls. It just makes her so happy!! Her main issue has been her dog reactivity which the volunteers have been working on and seeing improvements. I don't think it's aggression but rather frustration. She is starting to learn to be more relaxed when other dogs are in her line of sight. For that reason, she may not be a great choice for a newbie. However, if you are someone who wants to train their dog, she's a great choice.

Come see and meet all these fantastic dogs at the West LA Animal Shelter!!

The Shelter Chronicles: Back with a Vengeance!

Sorry for the lack of posts in the last month. It's been a rough period at the shelter and I needed to gain some perspective by distancing myself from the situation. I'm back now and we still have a lot of the SAME DOGS looking for a home. It's so sad, but in a way a relief considering what has transpired at all the shelters lately. Thanks for reading and supporting our shelter dogs! Lola

A Couple of Wonderful Rotties looking for a home!

Tristen A0984268 (adult)

This guy is so cute. He's tall and lanky, a real charmer. Tristen is a friendly guy and seems to love people in general. I'm not sure about him with other dogs, but my experience has been that he's a pretty chill dude. The staff at the shelter like him too! I recommend an experienced owner and someone who wants to spend quality time with their dog. Rottie's need a firm hand. He's so awesome, you must come meet him!

Roxy A0978203 Rottweiler mix (young)

Here's a beauty of a dog for you! Roxy is a total sweetie pie. She gets along with other dogs and is great with people. She is playful and adorable. This girl needs a home where she will get ample attention and lots of love...Training too!!!! The volunteers really like this doggie. She is a cute one!

Some more special dogs...

Jack A0922499 Sharpei mix (young)

Poor Jack. This guy came into the shelter as a puppy. He was probably about 6 months old when I first met him. Lots of people were interested in him but he did have some skin problems common to the Sharpei breed. He finally got adopted and we thought he was safe at last. Unfortunately several months later Jack was returned for some reason, probably his skin problem. Now Jack has been stuck at the shelter for months. The fact that he has a type of mange has made him less than desirable to the average adopter. However, this is a sweet dog. He definitely needs some training and structure, but he has loads of potential. It's so painful to see him at the shelter knowing that stress only makes his condition worse. This problem is not contagious and can be treated successfully. Please don't judge this poor guy by his appearance as he really deserves a chance at a normal life.

Betty Boop A934970 Chow/Boarder Collie mix (adult)

Betty is so cute and lively. What a cool dog! Well, get this, she's rescue only. That's right, someone adopted her and claimed that she bit not just one person but a few people when she was in a room with a group of people. Who knows what the actual circumstances were since the shelter must take the word of the person turning in the dog. Betty was quarantined and then adoptable to rescue only. Thanks to the good work of our own Laurie the volunteer, angel of the iso dogs, Betty Boop has gotten a second chance. Betty is still rescue only but at least she's alive and will hopefully find the right home when a rescue takes her in. Betty is good around other dogs. She's good on leash. She's very funny and sweet. She loves attention and would be a really fun dog for an active person. Being that she has a bite on her record, I would probably advise no kids. Other than that, no one has been able to replicate the aggressive behavior that supposedly occurred. She's a favorite of shelter staff and volunteers.

Angel A971916 Pitbull (senior)

This dog came into the shelter a mess. In fact he was evidence for an animal cruelty case. This poor guy had a huge cut down his back and multiple health issues. He's super friendly and despite all his troubles, he still trusts people and other dogs. Even the vet at WLA likes him!!! It's too sad to think of him dying at the shelter after all he's been through. He just needs a warm bed and some love... Come see him and you'll see what I mean.

A few last words...

For those of you reading this who don't know me, I've had struggles with my dog Ace who was originally from the WLA shelter. Even though I already loved the Rottweiler breed, I had no idea what living with one would be like. Over a year later, here I am with my big baby and I admit it, we're in love. However, thanks to getting serious training advice, it's more like tough love as I am always clearly in charge. As a result, I have a great companion who gets along with my other animals and is a pleasure to have around! Bottom line, get the right training for YOUR dog according to his personality and breed. Furthermore, adopt a dog who works for your lifestyle and capabilities. Believe me, I learned the hard way!

Get out and vote this Tuesday!

The Shelter Chronicles: Three Dog Day

Bad Picture Alert!

Please be aware that the following pictures are not for the skittish... They were taken by Shelter Staff! Noooooo, not that! Thats UNFAIR to animals everywhere!!! Seth Casteel, where are youUUUUUUUUU?

Just kidding, the Shelter can't help it, they are NOT photographers... But these are bad.

Anyway, just a quickie. I spent the day with the three cutest doggies today. We were out front of Kirby's Pet Depot in Mar Vista. It was a little chilly, but fun none the less as we shnuggled together in our little pen. These pictures don't do these cuties any justice, so beware!


Chi Chi A09601888


Don't let ChiChi fool you. She's a babe. Oh, she wants you to think that she's a little snarky and dominant...heh heh, but no, she's a poser. This is a very sweet little girl who likes to wear cute little t-shirts, sit on your lap 24/7 and lick your nose every now and again. Oh, she's a watch dog all right, especially when she CAN'T meet the neighborhood dog cuties. In between she's making you love her and then she gets to be a dog. I guess what I'm saying here is she's a character and a total baby cake. Plus, ChiChi does that magical thing where a dog pees standing up on her two front paws. Amazing!

Betty A0982196


Betty is a diamond in the rough. She just needs to feel trust towards someone special. Very quiet and demure right now, Betty's going to blossom before your eyes once you get her home for a few days. Betty is a Chihuahua mix of sorts. You can't see her cute wavy fur and freckles here. I could even see just in the short hours I spent with her that she was learning to be a dog and run with the crowd. This kid is practically a pup, she's only about a year old. She's a little shy with people initially, but warms up once she sees that you are a friend. So adorable, you'll love her, she's an easy one.

Pee Wee A0970820


Wow, this picture sums it up, Pee Wee is scared. He's a tiny little guy with a bit of a gut. Not sure what happened to him but he ended up at the shelter. To prove that he isn't afraid, Pee Wee is always active and on alert. He can be a little nippy so I don't advise this cutie for youngsters, but fine for adults. He doesn't really bite, just mouthy. If you are a lover of Chihuahuas, you'll really enjoy this little guy. The coolest thing I discovered about him today was that he likes to play fetch. How cute is that? He was making me laugh so much with his funny little antics. I was really enamored with him. Anyway, not for everyone obviously, but for those of us who love the challenge of the scaredy little guy who is so cute and funny that a little nip here and there just adds to his character.

You can find all these dogs at the WLA Animal Shelter: www.laanimalshelter.com

The Shelter Chronicles: Train your dog!

Wonderful happy dogs at West LA!

I have many pet peeves when it comes to dogs. Not with the dogs though, but with the people associated with them. The Shelter is where you see the best and the worst of human nature.

I'm so disturbed by people who give up on their newly adopted dog after a couple of days. That doesn't make any sense at all. If you are interested in adopting a dog from the shelter, you need to be willing to commit to at least a month to at least begin to get to know each other.

Believe me, I understand what it takes to keep a dog who isn't working out within your lifestyle, family, or existing dogs. I've been though it. You can work it out in most cases with patience and understanding. Oh, and of course, training!!!!!!!

Don't be surprised when a shelter dog has separation anxiety, nervousness and other behavioral issues. These kinds of issues come up when you get a dog who has gone through something traumatic. Shelter dogs deserve more than a day or two of your time. Behavior issues are part of having a dog in your life. Train your dog, be consistent and don't be a quitter. You will be rewarded with unconditional love and loyalty if you stand by your dog.



Oliver A0764380

Meet Oliver, he's some kind of Shepherd mix who is about 2-3 years old. He's a larger medium size. This guy is a total lover! He is super friendly with both people and dogs. He's always happy to see you. He was adopted but returned because he was too "hyper." If I had a nickel for every time someone uses that reason for a return. Duh, he's dog, he wants to do stuff, he's excited in a new environment, GIVE THIS GUY A BREAK! He's so cute and such a good boy. Anyway, if you are looking for a dog with personality plus, lots of happy energy for play and hiking, Oliver is your man. Definitely not a dog for the lazy at heart. He may need some work on his leash manners but that's no biggie.


Buddy A0413332

Buddy is so gorgeous and sweet, I think he's really special. I saw him and instantly fell in love! First off, he is tall and lanky like a sight hound. Not sure what the mix is but he sure is pretty! And can he run! He loves to chase a ball and he does it with such style and grace. Everyone who saw him running was enchanted. Believe it or not, Buddy's story is kind of sad. He belonged to someone who kept him outside all day and night (boo hiss) and then after 7 years left him at the shelter. The people never bothered to train him so he doesn't know obedience at all. Still, he's such a nice dog. He's easy to handle, I had no problems with him at all. He was a little shy at first but that's normal. After throwing the ball a bit he warmed up nicely. He would be a wonderful dog for someone with a yard and who is active.



Sabrina A0948885

I had to add Sabrina today. This picture is so funny and sooo Sabrina. She is a youngster around 2 years old. She is the typical Pit Bull personality, all boingie and silly. So cute! I would love to see her go to someone who knows Pits and can give her the loving guidance that she needs. Sabrina responds well to verbal corrections and is a very willing student. I think she would be an amazing companion as long as the person TRAINS her. No lazy people who don't think they can afford to pay for training. I know that's harsh, but sorry, I've seen it too many times. You put an untrained Pittie with their energy and excitability into the world with no guidance, it's an accident waiting to happen. With training this girl is a perfect 10!



Patch A0953371

Patch has the sweetest face. All he needs is some love. This guy was a stray and came in to the shelter all dirty and full of ticks, what a mess. He was a full of false bravado due to fear so he just seemed like another scary Pit Bull. Wrong! This is a very sweet and shy dog. Now that he's calmed down and is finding that there are people who want to help him, his vulnerable side is coming through. This guy is just scared and unsure of new people and other animals. The amazing thing about this guy is that he will just lean against you looking for your protection. It's as if he thinks he is a puppy. I've seen this before with dogs who didn't receive proper socialization and it's akin to arrested development. With training and patience he can be a stellar dog. We are still learning about him, but I feel that he has a lot of potential and is just adorable. Definitely a dog for someone who knows Pit Bulls and has worked with shyness issues. So, not a good choice for a newbie.

The Shelter Chronicles: Miracles take Money

Nicole, now named Sophie, was rescued by Much Love!

We thought for sure that this girl was a goner. Nicole was an older deaf dog who had been in the shelter system for months. To add to her troubles, this beautiful Dalmatian injured her back (we think) and has lost the use of her back legs! She was in Isolation at the shelter and being given pain meds for the last week. She was very unhappy and had stopped eating!

As a last ditch effort, the shelter sent out a plea on this girls behalf otherwise she was going to be euthanized. There was a lot of hope behind this dog since she was nothing else but sweet and lovable. No one wanted to see her life cut short even with this huge problem that had reared it's ugly head! Now she is at a foster home and will be treated for her physical problems.

Much Love was so generous to take her. If you can, please donate to Much Love so they can help Sophie (Nicole) get back on her feet and live out her life!

Lot's of other really exciting developments last few weeks as well. Some of the highlights were:

• Jonesy was bailed out and fostered by one of the WLA volunteers!
• Carmen, one of our oldest dogs at WLA, was adopted!
• Lisa, the shy Jindo who spent weeks not even being shown, was adopted!!
  
• Zero, a wonderful Black Lab, who got into some big TROUBLE at WLA and was labeled "rescue only," got rescued despite the mark on his record!
• Casper, our gorgeous white pit bull who is deaf, found his place at a rescue!
• Tiger found an amazing home and was renamed Sweety!
  

The Shelter Chronicles: Urgent! Save Jonesy

A Heartfelt Plea for Jonesy #A0932129

JONESY: A STORY OF COURAGE AND HOPE

I have asked Samantha to forward this to you to provide a fuller picture of Jonesy, in hopes you will agree that he deserves to get another chance at life. As you may be aware, his time at our shelter is very limited. I have worked with many dogs as a volunteer, but never have I met such a challenge--or found such reward--as with Jonesy.

When he arrived at our shelter in March, Jonesy was a dog so withdrawn in fear that he could only cower--shaking--in the darkness of his kennel, not even able to look at me. Soon thereafter he was adopted. His new owner apparently did not understand how to work with his fearfulness and unfortunately was bitten, prompting the dog's return. That's the short history that got him branded "rescue only."

When Jonesy was placed back in the general population in July, I volunteered to work with him on his issues. Still too fearful to come out from his dark haven or to look at me, I simply sat in the kennel, time after time, talking to him. Finally he inched out a few times until he got the courage to stand by me, eventually letting me pet him, attention he now craves.

Little by little he finally learned to trust me. I do not fear that I will be bitten. I have introduced him to other volunteers who both walk and pet him without incident. He still has some fearfulness/shyness issues, but makes progress each time I work with him. I am truly encouraged. If he has learned to trust me, he can do so with others.

Jonesy's story is truly an inspirational one. I have watched him balance his fear of people against his desire for human contact--and make that crucial decision to take a chance on humans. Whether in humans or animals, that takes a LOT of courage.

And that is why I am writing.

If this dog is willing to overcome his fears and exhibit that kind of courage, he is truly motivated. I know I don't have to tell you how important that is. He's doing his part.

Now I am asking that a group be willing to rescue Jonesy. I know you are all overwhelmed with dogs and such requests, but I am willing to foster him for the while and continue to work on training him to make him more adoptable. (Adding to the adoptability issue, Jonesy is both cute and small.)

I am a former non-profit fundraiser. If one of you will rescue him, I will be happy to help advise you on fundraising issues for your organization.

To all Rescues, here you have a request that not only gives you many reasons why you should rescue this little dog, but a person willing and able to foster and help rehabilitate him. There's no reason not to help!

Please pass along to everyone you know! Jonesy's days are numbered.